Canberra mum-of-three Robyn Smith, who has a BRCA2 (Breast Cancer gene) mutation and has undergone a risk reducing mastectomy with flat closure, will run 14km topless in the world's largest fun run, the 2025 Voltaren City2Surf.

This Sunday, Robyn will run alongside 90,000 others from Sydney’s CBD to Bondi Beach with wording painted across her bare chest reading ‘Flat out of funding’. Robyn’s aim is to fundraise and promote awareness about inherited cancer risk and the critical work of Inherited Cancers Australia (ICA), as well as shine light on the valid option of remaining flat after a mastectomy.

Robyn, an ICA team member and avid runner, discovered she carried the BRCA2 gene mutation in 2012 after her mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. The BRCA2 mutation brings with it a 70 percent risk of developing breast cancer and a 40 percent risk of developing ovarian cancer. Instead of risking the disease taking her life – as it did with her own mother and grandmother – Robyn chose to have a risk-reducing mastectomy.

Robyn’s City2Surf challenge is inspired by UK flat advocate Louise Butcher – aka The Topless Runner – who has courageously run the London Marathon twice to bare her mastectomy scars and represent thousands of women globally 'living flat' without breasts.

“You can’t be what you can’t see, so I'm running topless in the Voltaren City2Surf 2025 to show that women can be flat, strong, and unapologetic, while raising funds for Inherited Cancers Australia to continue our essential work, educating, advocating and supporting families just like mine,” Robyn said.

Robyn has received Louise’s blessing to bring this powerful statement to Sydney, aiming to spark conversations about informed choice, cancer prevention, and the challenges faced by those with inherited cancer risk.

‘When I first found out I had a gene mutation, I leaned so much on ICA for information and connection to other people with gene mutations. This organisation was instrumental in helping me be proactive with my cancer risk – a privilege that others in my family were not afforded. Living with and working in the inherited cancer space means I see firsthand the impact that organisations like ours can have on someone in this position. It’s great to be able to give back through running,” Robyn said.

According to Robyn, the run is also an important way to normalise being flat, “I am proud of my decision and how I go about living my best flat life while also shining a light on the realities of living with the ticking timebomb of inherited cancer risk."

Cancer survivor, BRCA1 carrier and ICA CEO, Sarah Powell said she admires Robyn’s bold action to highlight the urgent need for donations to sustain the life-changing programs supporting Australians with inherited cancer risk.

"Inherited cancer risk goes well beyond a genetic test and screening or risk reducing surgeries, the physical and emotional impact continues across generations,” Sarah said. “As a charity that receives no Federal government funding, ICA is seeking ongoing financial support to continue bridging the gap between the healthcare system and patients, offering important education, advocacy and support to manage cancer risk after genetic testing.

"The current financial climate means smaller charities like ICA are facing reduced donations, so when Robyn came to me and said, ‘I'm going to take my shirt off and run with 90,000 people to help with fundraising,' I thought it was not only courageous but empowering for all women who have inherited cancer risk or have undergone flat closure after mastectomy."

Inherited cancer risk affects both men and women, with 1 in 400 people living with gene mutations (such as BRCA) that can increase an individual’s risk cancer. BRCA gene mutations disproportionately impact women because there’s a 70% chance of breast cancer and up to 40% chance of ovarian cancer, so guidelines recommend women remove their breasts, fallopian tubes and ovaries in their 30s and 40s.

Since 2008, City2Surf participants have raised over $59 million for charities, and ICA is proud to contribute to this legacy. Robyn’s topless run in the Voltaren City2Surf 2025 is a call to action for the community to support those navigating the emotional and practical challenges of inherited cancer risk.

Join us at this year’s Voltaren City2Surf to cheer on Robyn and donate to ICA via this link. Every dollar will help empower more Australians to manage their cancer risk informed.